Attention: Here’s an update from Malacañang about the controversial Anti-Terror Bill’s current status.
During a televised press briefing on July 2, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said that the bill is already in the hands of executive secretary Salvador Medialdea.
“Wala na po sa lamesa ng Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs, nailipat na po ‘yan sa tanggapan ni Executive Secretary for final review,” said Roque.
“Ibig sabihin po meron nang memorandum recommending a course of action to the President subject to final approval lang po siguro yan ni Executive Secretary at dadalhin na po sa lamesa ni Presidente,” he added.
On June 17, Malacañang shared that the President will wait for the vetting process to wrap up before making decisions about the bill.
“There are at least three departments that are given the leeway to comment on this legislation. The most important is the Office of the Executive Secretary, specifically the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs, and of course, it’s important to listen to the Department of Justice as well,” said Roque. Inputs from the Justice department about the bill were also due on the same day, while the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel has already submitted their feedback prior.
Upon reaching his desk, the President could either sign the bill into law or veto it. However, it is set to lapse into law on July 9 if not acted upon.
Gaining controversy since it was proposed, the Anti-Terror Bill received opposition from some lawmakers and human rights groups who raised concerns about possible abuse of authority.
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The issue of red-tagging, or labeling, branding, naming or accusing individuals or organizations viewed as “threats” or “enemies of the state” as terrorists by law enforcement agencies, as well as the silencing of critics against the government’s practices are also among the points raised by those who oppose the bill.
[READ: Terrorism undefined: The Anti-Terrorism Bill is an indication of an authoritarian regime]
Through the Anti-Terror Bill which seeks stricter measures to the Human Security Act of 2007, those who will propose, incite, conspire and participate in planning, training, preparing and facilitating a terrorist act will be subject to punishment by law.
Header photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Operations Office
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Writer: YANN MAGCAMIT
